Cowboys Release QB Brandon Weeden

With Tony Romo set to return from his collarbone injury that cost him eight weeks, the Dallas Cowboys needed to clear a roster spot. To do so, the team elected to release QB Brandon Weeden Tuesday. Weeden started three games for the Cowboys when Romo was injured.

Weeden was benched in favor of Matt Cassel during the team's bye week. Dallas acquired Cassel in a trade from the Buffalo Bills. Weeden was unable to win any of his three starts with Romo out. He completed 72 percent of his passes in four games played this season, throwing for 738 yards, two touchdowns and two picks. He relied heavily on checkdowns, as the Cowboys' game plan for Weeden was very conservative. 

Weeden turned 32 in October, and the former first round pick has been a bust during his four-year NFL career. He lasted just two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Weeden was never able to keep the starting job in Cleveland. He threw 23 touchdown passes, but was picked off 26 times and fumbled nine times. 

Weeden signed a two-year contract worth $1.23 million with Dallas before the 2014 season. The Cowboys won't eat any money for cutting Weeden. 

Romo and Cassel are the only two QBs on the active roster. Kellen Moore and Jameill Showers (who played some receiver during training camp) are on the practice squad, but the Cowboys will likely keep only two QBs now that Romo is healthy. 

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Related Topics: Matt Cassel, Brandon Weeden, Cowboys News, Tony Romo